Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery

Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. The Metabolic and Bariatric Center at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital serves residents throughout West Pasco County and beyond. Bariatric surgery is done when diets and exercise have not worked or when there are serious health problems due to an unhealthy weight. Surgery remains the most effective treatment for sustained weight loss.

Although the focus of the bariatrics program is surgical weight loss, there are many facets to the program. These include patient education for healthy metabolism, exercise, weight loss behavioral therapy, and drug therapy.

Health and Wellness magazine caught up with Dr. Lourdes Pelaez-Echevarria to discuss her role in the program, and her passion for maintaining a healthy weight radiates from her every word.

H&W Magazine: Dr. Pelaez-Echevarria, what is different about the program here at North Bay than other bariatric centers?

Dr. Pelaez-Echevarria: We realize that bariatric surgery is the beginning of a lifelong journey. Strong and active support groups are vital to success in any program. We have a dedicated team to guide patients to achieve their goals. This is not a “one-size-fits-all” program. In fact, our patients can attest that one size does NOT fit all. Our team of specialized dietitians, support coaches, and bariatric surgeons know this. We have worked hard to individualize the program to meet individual needs. Most programs talk about tailoring the program to each patient’s individual needs. We are a smaller program, so our patients are not just another number. We really do know our patients by name.

H&W Magazine: Talk to the readers about how behavior management and psychology play into maintaining a healthy body weight.

Dr. Pelaez-Echevarria: We don’t believe in diets and think of DIET as a four-letter word we don’t like to use. We prefer to talk about healthy metabolism.

We are all addicted to food—some people more than others. The problem is how to manage that addiction to maintain a healthy body weight. Also, after surgery there are many changes that happen because of the massive weight loss. It is important to continue working with behavior management coaches and psychologists long after the surgery.

H&W Magazine: How do your support groups increase the chance of success in maintaining a healthy weight?

Dr. Pelaez-Echevarria: It is impossible to go through all of these drastic changes alone. Maintaining a healthy weight takes discipline and self-control. Having the support of people who have already gone through bariatric surgery and are willing to share their wisdom is incredibly helpful. There are so many tips and tricks that can be learned from others about healthy eating. Our coaches are professionals and they have a wealth of knowledge to guide our patients toward success.

H&W Magazine: Doctor, you keep eyeing my Diet Coke. Is there something you want to tell me?

Dr. Pelaez-Echevarria: There has been an ever-increasing body of data concerning the side-effects of artificial sweeteners. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently confirmed that Aspartame is a “possible” cause of cancer based on research conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. In addition to cancer, researchers have also theorized that there may be a cause-and-effect relationship between artificial sweeteners and bloating, cramps, diarrhea, depression, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, multiple sclerosis, fatty liver and weight gain. Yes, I said weight GAIN! I have been counseling my patients to avoid ALL artificial sweeteners. Of course, more research has to be done by unbiased and impartial sources.

For more information on weight management or bariatric surgery please visit us at BayCareWeightloss.org

To schedule a consultation or appointment with Dr. Pelaez-Echevarria please call (727) 375-2849.

BayCare Medical Group General Surgery
6633 Forest Ave., Suite 205
New Port Richey, FL 34653

727-375-2849